LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To describe postural balance, handgrip strength, and mobility in children and adolescents with different types of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). METHODS Cross-sectional study. Fifty selected subjects diagnosed with types I (n=11), III (n=21), and IV (n=18), followed up at Brazilian reference center for OI in the Midwest region, aged 2-21 years (9.2±5.0), were enrolled in this study. Children and adolescents were evaluated for postural balance in the upright position with eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, handgrip strength, and the mobility domain (Pediatric Dysfunction Assessment Inventory). Data normality and difference between groups was verified. RESULTS Handgrip strength was significantly lower in people with type III OI when compared to the OI types I and IV, and to the age-specific reference data. Center of pressure (CoP) length and mean velocity in the condition with eyes closed were worse compared to the open-eyes condition for children and adolescents with type I OI. There were worse results in the mobility domain for the participants classified with the most severe type of OI. CONCLUSIONS It was observed that the severity of the OI disease affected handgrip strength and locomotor function assessed by the mobility domain. Comparing OI types, the higher the severity of OI, the lower the handgrip strength. These results can contribute to new strategies of treatment focused on improving functional capacity and quality of life in people with OI.